Question

What is the main difference between the formulas for kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (PE)?

Answer 1

A body possess kinetic energy by virtue of its motion. It is given by:

`K.E. = (1)/(2)mv^2`

where m is the mass and v is the speed.

A body possess potential energy by virtue of its position.

Gravitational potential energy is given by:

G.P.E. = m g h

where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height.

The sum of kinetic energy and potential energy is known as mechanical energy.

Answer 2

Kinetic energy is a energy that a body possesses by virtue of being in motion.
And gravitational potential energy is where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity.